1 Kings 7
BSB1 Solomon, however, took thirteen years to complete the construction of his entire palace. 2 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting the cedar beams. 3 The house was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the pillars—forty-five beams, fifteen per row. 4 There were three rows of high windows facing one another in three tiers. 5 All the doorways had rectangular frames, with the openings facing one another in three tiers. 6 Solomon made his colonnade fifty cubits long and thirty cubits wide, with a portico in front of it and a canopy with pillars in front of the portico. 7 In addition, he built a hall for the throne, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge. It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling. 8 And the palace where Solomon would live, set further back, was of similar construction. He also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had married. 9 All these buildings were constructed with costly stones, cut to size and trimmed with saws inside and out from the foundation to the eaves, and from the outside to the great courtyard. 10 The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long. 11 Above these were high-grade stones, cut to size, and cedar beams. 12 The great courtyard was surrounded by three rows of dressed stone and a row of trimmed cedar beams, as were the inner courtyard and portico of the house of the LORD. 13 Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. 14 He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work. 15 He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference. 16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars, each capital five cubits high. 17 For the capitals on top of the pillars he made a network of lattice, with wreaths of chainwork, seven for each capital. 18 Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars. 19 And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high. 20 On the capitals of both pillars, just above the rounded projection next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital. 21 Thus he set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz. 22 And the tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. So the work of the pillars was completed. 23 He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference. 24 Below the rim, ornamental buds encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea. 25 The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center. 26 It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths. 27 In addition, he made ten movable stands of bronze, each four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high. 28 This was the design of the stands: They had side panels attached to uprights, 29 and on the panels between the uprights were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the uprights was a pedestal above, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths of beveled work. 30 Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles and a basin resting on four supports, with wreaths at each side. 31 The opening to each stand inside the crown at the top was one cubit deep, with a round opening like the design of a pedestal, a cubit and a half wide. And around its opening were engravings, but the panels of the stands were square, not round. 32 There were four wheels under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand; each wheel was a cubit and a half in diameter. 33 The wheels were made like chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal. 34 Each stand had four handles, one for each corner, projecting from the stand. 35 At the top of each stand was a circular band half a cubit high. The supports and panels were cast as a unit with the top of the stand. 36 He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and panels, wherever each had space, with wreaths all around. 37 In this way he made the ten stands, each with the same casting, dimensions, and shape. 38 He also made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin for each of the ten stands. 39 He set five stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north, and he put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple. 40 Additionally, Huram made the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work that he had undertaken for King Solomon in the house of the LORD: 41 the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars; the two sets of network covering both bowls of the capitals atop the pillars; 42 the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network covering both the bowl-shaped capitals atop the pillars); 43 the ten stands; the ten basins on the stands; 44 the Sea; the twelve oxen underneath the Sea; 45 and the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All the articles that Huram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were made of burnished bronze. 46 The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan. 47 Solomon left all these articles unweighed, because there were so many. The weight of the bronze could not be determined. 48 Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; 49 the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; 50 the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place ) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple. 51 So all the work that King Solomon had performed for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the items his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 7
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Kings 7
- Themes from 1 Kings 7
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Kings 7
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
1 Kings 7 begins with a description of Solomon's palace, which took 13 years to complete, and then shifts focus to the construction of the Temple, which took 7 years to finish. The chapter details the Temple's furnishings, including the bronze altar, the molten sea, and the ten golden lampstands. It also mentions the king's other building projects, such as the House of the Forest of Lebanon and the Hall of Judgment. The chapter highlights Solomon's wealth, wisdom, and artistic skill, as well as the Israelites' craftsmanship and attention to detail, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which describes the reign of Solomon and the division of the kingdom. The construction of the Temple is a pivotal event in the history of Israel, as it provides a permanent place of worship and sacrifice. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, as the Temple is a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, as seen in Hebrews 8:5. The chapter follows the establishment of Solomon's kingdom and the Lord's appearance to him, as seen in 1 Kings 3:1-15 and 1 Kings 6:1-38.
Heart Application
As we read about the construction of the Temple, we are reminded of the importance of worship and sacrifice in our lives. We are also encouraged to use our God-given talents and abilities to serve Him and to build His kingdom, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. May we strive to be like the Israelite craftsmen, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in all that we do, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the construction of Solomon's palace and the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was a special place where the Israelites could worship and sacrifice to God. The chapter highlights Solomon's wealth, wisdom, and artistic skill, as well as the Israelites' craftsmanship and attention to detail, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51. The Temple is also a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 8:5.
Voices from the Church
“The Temple was a type of the heavenly sanctuary, and the sacrifices offered there were a shadow of the one great sacrifice that was to come, as seen in Hebrews 10:1-18.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The wisdom and craftsmanship displayed in the construction of the Temple are a testament to the power and majesty of God, who gives wisdom and skill to those who serve Him, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-14.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Construction of Solomon's Palace (1 Kings 7:1-12) — The chapter begins with a description of Solomon's palace, which took 13 years to complete, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-12.
- The Construction of the Temple (1 Kings 7:13-22) — The chapter then shifts focus to the construction of the Temple, which took 7 years to finish, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-22.
- The Furnishings of the Temple (1 Kings 7:23-37) — The chapter details the Temple's furnishings, including the bronze altar, the molten sea, and the ten golden lampstands, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-37.
- The Completion of the Temple (1 Kings 7:38-51) — The chapter concludes with a description of the completion of the Temple and the dedication of the altar, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-51.
- The Significance of the Temple (1 Kings 7:51) — The chapter ends with a statement about the significance of the Temple, which was to be a permanent place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, as seen in 1 Kings 7:51.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of the Temple
- This chapter teaches that the Temple was a special place of worship and sacrifice, and that it was a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, as seen in Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
- The Doctrine of Wisdom
- The chapter highlights the importance of wisdom and craftsmanship in serving God, as seen in the construction of the Temple and the skill of the Israelite craftsmen, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-14.
- The Doctrine of Sacrifice
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of sacrifice in worship, as seen in the description of the bronze altar and the sacrifices offered there, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-25.
- The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God
- The chapter teaches that the kingdom of God is a kingdom of wisdom, justice, and righteousness, as seen in the reign of Solomon and the construction of the Temple, as seen in 1 Kings 3:1-15 and 1 Kings 6:1-38.
Lessons from 1 Kings 7
- The Importance of Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter teaches us that worship and sacrifice are essential components of our relationship with God, and that we should prioritize them in our lives, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51.
- The Value of Wisdom and Craftsmanship — The chapter highlights the importance of wisdom and craftsmanship in serving God, and encourages us to develop our skills and talents to serve Him, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-14.
- The Significance of the Temple — The chapter teaches us that the Temple is a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, and that it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as seen in Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
- The Importance of Attention to Detail — The chapter emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and excellence in all that we do, and encourages us to strive for excellence in our work and service to God, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24.
- The Character of God — The chapter reflects the character of God, highlighting His power, majesty, and wisdom, and encouraging us to trust and worship Him, as seen in 1 Kings 3:1-15 and 1 Kings 6:1-38.
Themes from 1 Kings 7
- The Theme of Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in our relationship with God, and highlights the significance of the Temple as a place of worship and sacrifice, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51.
- The Theme of Wisdom and Craftsmanship — The chapter highlights the importance of wisdom and craftsmanship in serving God, and encourages us to develop our skills and talents to serve Him, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-14.
- The Theme of the Kingdom of God — The chapter teaches us that the kingdom of God is a kingdom of wisdom, justice, and righteousness, and that it is established through the reign of God's people, as seen in 1 Kings 3:1-15 and 1 Kings 6:1-38.
- The Theme of the Heavenly Sanctuary — The chapter points to the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, and encourages us to look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, as seen in Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
- The Theme of the Character of God — The chapter reflects the character of God, highlighting His power, majesty, and wisdom, and encouraging us to trust and worship Him, as seen in 1 Kings 3:1-15 and 1 Kings 6:1-38.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the construction of the Temple about the importance of worship and sacrifice in our lives?
- How does the chapter describe the wisdom and craftsmanship of the Israelite craftsmen, and what can we learn from their example?
- What is the significance of the Temple in the larger biblical narrative, and how does it point to the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of attention to detail and excellence in all that we do, and what are some ways that we can apply this principle in our own lives?
- What can we learn from the chapter about the character of God, and how does it reflect His power, majesty, and wisdom?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Construction of Solomon's Palace (1 Kings 7:1-12)
| 7:1 | The chapter begins with a description of Solomon's palace, which took 13 years to complete, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1. |
| 7:2 | The palace was built with cedar and cypress wood, and was adorned with precious stones and gold, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2-5. |
| 7:3 | The palace had many windows and doors, and was surrounded by a wall, as seen in 1 Kings 7:3-5. |
| 7:4 | The palace was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:4-5. |
| 7:5 | The palace was a symbol of Solomon's wealth and power, and was a testament to his wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-5. |
| 7:6 | The palace had a large hall, which was used for feasts and celebrations, as seen in 1 Kings 7:6-7. |
| 7:7 | The hall was decorated with cedar and cypress wood, and was adorned with precious stones and gold, as seen in 1 Kings 7:7. |
| 7:8 | The palace had many rooms and chambers, which were used for various purposes, as seen in 1 Kings 7:8. |
| 7:9 | The palace was built with stone and cedar, and was surrounded by a wall, as seen in 1 Kings 7:9-10. |
| 7:10 | The palace was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, and was a symbol of his wealth and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-12. |
| 7:11 | The palace was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:11. |
| 7:12 | The palace was completed in 13 years, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-12. |
2. The Construction of the Temple (1 Kings 7:13-22)
| 7:13 | The chapter then shifts focus to the construction of the Temple, which took 7 years to finish, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-14. |
| 7:14 | The Temple was built with stone and cedar, and was adorned with precious stones and gold, as seen in 1 Kings 7:14. |
| 7:15 | The Temple had two bronze pillars, which were decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:15-22. |
| 7:16 | The pillars were topped with bronze capitals, which were adorned with precious stones and gold, as seen in 1 Kings 7:16-17. |
| 7:17 | The pillars were decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:17-18. |
| 7:18 | The pillars were a symbol of the Temple's strength and stability, as seen in 1 Kings 7:15-22. |
| 7:19 | The Temple had many windows and doors, and was surrounded by a wall, as seen in 1 Kings 7:19-20. |
| 7:20 | The Temple was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:20. |
| 7:21 | The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and power, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-22. |
| 7:22 | The Temple was completed in 7 years, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:13-22. |
3. The Furnishings of the Temple (1 Kings 7:23-37)
| 7:23 | The chapter details the Temple's furnishings, including the bronze altar and the molten sea, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-25. |
| 7:24 | The altar was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:24. |
| 7:25 | The molten sea was a large bronze basin, which was used for ritual cleansing, as seen in 1 Kings 7:25-26. |
| 7:26 | The sea was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:26. |
| 7:27 | The Temple had ten golden lampstands, which were used for lighting, as seen in 1 Kings 7:27-30. |
| 7:28 | The lampstands were decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:28. |
| 7:29 | The lampstands were a symbol of the Temple's beauty and splendor, as seen in 1 Kings 7:27-30. |
| 7:30 | The Temple had many other furnishings, including tables and chairs, as seen in 1 Kings 7:30-37. |
| 7:31 | The furnishings were decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:31-32. |
| 7:32 | The furnishings were a symbol of the Temple's wealth and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:30-37. |
| 7:33 | The Temple was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-37. |
| 7:34 | The Temple was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:34. |
| 7:35 | The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-37. |
| 7:36 | The Temple was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-37. |
| 7:37 | The Temple was completed in 7 years, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-37. |
4. The Completion of the Temple (1 Kings 7:38-51)
| 7:38 | The chapter concludes with a description of the completion of the Temple, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-40. |
| 7:39 | The Temple was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:39. |
| 7:40 | The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-40. |
| 7:41 | The Temple was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-51. |
| 7:42 | The Temple was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:42. |
| 7:43 | The Temple was a symbol of the Temple's beauty and splendor, as seen in 1 Kings 7:43-44. |
| 7:44 | The Temple was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-51. |
| 7:45 | The Temple was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:45. |
| 7:46 | The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:46-47. |
| 7:47 | The Temple was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-51. |
| 7:48 | The Temple was decorated with intricate carvings and moldings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:48. |
| 7:49 | The Temple was a symbol of the Temple's beauty and splendor, as seen in 1 Kings 7:49-50. |
| 7:50 | The Temple was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-51. |
| 7:51 | The Temple was completed in 7 years, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:38-51. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Temple in the biblical narrative?
The Temple was a special place of worship and sacrifice, and was a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, as seen in Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. The Temple was also a symbol of God's presence and power, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51.
How did the construction of the Temple reflect the character of God?
The construction of the Temple reflected the character of God, highlighting His power, majesty, and wisdom, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51. The Temple was a symbol of God's presence and power, and was a testament to Solomon's wisdom and craftsmanship, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51.
What can we learn from the chapter about the importance of worship and sacrifice?
The chapter teaches us that worship and sacrifice are essential components of our relationship with God, and that we should prioritize them in our lives, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-51. The Temple was a special place of worship and sacrifice, and was a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ, as seen in Hebrews 8:5 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 7:1 → 2 Samuel 7:1-17 | The construction of the Temple is a fulfillment of God's promise to David, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:1-17. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 7:13 → Exodus 35:30-35 | The construction of the Temple is similar to the construction of the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 35:30-35. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 7:23 → Exodus 30:17-21 | The bronze altar is similar to the altar in the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 30:17-21. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 7:25 → Exodus 30:17-21 | The molten sea is similar to the bronze basin in the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 30:17-21. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 7:38 → Hebrews 8:5 | The Temple is a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary, as seen in Hebrews 8:5. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 7:40 → 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 | The Temple is a symbol of the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 7:45 → Psalm 84:1-4 | The Temple is a symbol of God's presence and power, as seen in Psalm 84:1-4. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 7:51 → 2 Chronicles 5:1-14 | The completion of the Temple is a significant event in the biblical narrative, as seen in 2 Chronicles 5:1-14. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 7:1 → 1 Chronicles 22:1-19 | The construction of the Temple is a fulfillment of God's promise to David, as seen in 1 Chronicles 22:1-19. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 7:13 → Ezra 5:11-17 | The construction of the Temple is a significant event in the biblical narrative, as seen in Ezra 5:11-17. |
Sermons on 1 Kings 7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aspects of the City by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the purpose of trials and adversity in the lives of believers. They suggest that these challenges are allowed by God to deepen and strengthe |
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Building for God by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, Dr. Walter emphasizes the importance of education and studying the word of God. He encourages believers to learn about various aspects of the Bible, such as the sev |
|
Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t |
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Solomon's Temple a Figure of the Church; and the Two Pillars, Jachin and Boaz, Typical of Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of Solomon's Temple as a representation of the Church, emphasizing the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which symbolize Christ. He explains that |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 7
In this chapter, we see the completion of Solomon's palace and the construction of the Temple, which was a magnificent structure that reflected the wisdom and craftsmanship of the Israelites. The Temple was a special place of worship and sacrifice, and was a foreshadowing of the heavenly sanctuary and the true temple, which is the body of Christ. The chapter highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in our relationship with God, and encourages us to prioritize them in our lives. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The temple was a type of the church, which is the house of God, and the temple of the Holy Ghost.' The chapter also reflects the character of God, highlighting His power, majesty, and wisdom, and encouraging us to trust and worship Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The use of symbolism
The Temple's furnishings and decorations are rich in symbolism, with the bronze altar representing sacrifice, the molten sea representing cleansing, and the gold decorations representing wealth and splendor, as seen in 1 Kings 7:23-51.
The attention to detail
The Israelite craftsmen demonstrate remarkable attention to detail in their work, as seen in the intricate carvings and the precise measurements of the Temple's furnishings, as seen in 1 Kings 7:15-22.
The abundance of resources
The chapter highlights the abundance of resources available to Solomon, including gold, bronze, and skilled craftsmen, demonstrating the wealth and prosperity of his kingdom, as seen in 1 Kings 7:1-5.